Obituary of Cornelius Brooks

Cornelius "Smiley" Brooks Jr. was born in Rochester, New York on April 20, 1955. He was the first-born child to Cornelius and Charlene Brooks, Sr. and also the first-born grandchild of both maternal and paternal grandparents. Smiley was raised in Rochester and attended James Madison High School where he excelled in basketball. In 1973, Smiley met the love of his life, Norita "Jeanne" Dantzler, whom he married in 1976; the same year he joined the United States Air Force. While in the Air Force Smiley and Jeanne traveled the world as Smiley advanced to the rank of Sergeant prior to being Honorably discharged in 1982. Upon his discharge from the Air Force, Smiley and Jeanne returned to their families in Rochester, New York. On December 8, 1986 Smiley entered the Rochester Police Academy graduating in August 1987. He was honored to fearlessly serve and protect the Rochester community for over 20 years, and he cherished the numerous friendships he made within the department and the community along the way. In the later years of his life Smiley accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized by Pastor Eulah M. Nelson at Bibleway Healing Temple in Rochester, NY. Predeceased by his father, Cornelius Brooks, Sr., Cornelius "Smiley" Brooks, Jr. will be forever cherished by his wife, Norita "Jeanne" Brooks; son, Aaron (Oneshia) Cooper; granddaughters, Erin and Cymone; mother, Charlene Brooks; brother, Daniel Brooks; sister, Cheryl L. (Douglas) Parson; father and mother-in-law, Waldon and Lolita Costner; also survive by numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Interment, Mt. Hope Cemetery.